After running laps around Braddock, Varela can now focus on potentially forcing a three-team tiebreaker atop District 15-8A as it faces district leader Southwest next week.

With its victory against Braddock at Tropical Park, an upset over the Eagles next Friday would pull the Vipers (5-3, 3-1) even with Southwest and Belen and force the three teams to battle for two playoff spots.

The Vipers ran for 328 yards against Braddock (1-7, 0-4). Christopher McWilliams, Annuel Jean-Baptiste and Anthony Guevara each ran for two touchdowns, with McWilliams and Jean-Baptiste eclipsing 100 yards.

“It’s what we do,” Varela coach Carlos Mollinedo said of his Wing-T offense.

"I told the kids after last week’s game it’s gut check time. It’s do or die. I’m proud of the way they responded."

The highlight of the game for Braddock came when Lazaro Cespedes ripped an interception away from a Varela defender on a deep pass for a 73-yard touchdown.